“I don’t know how to send him back,” I said, not an excuse but the truth.
“That’s okay, my dear. I suspect it will be the same way he was released.” The knife in his hand twitched.
Blood. My blood on the lamp would send him back.
“Of course, my king.” The words were hollow, but I offered my hand to him regardless, the wound there a scabbed line. Terym dragged the blade beside it, and I gasped. Blood welled, and the king moved my hand to the cool metal surface of the lamp.
My eyes locked with Shade’s gray ones. A brief flash of pain crossed his face as a heavy weight settled in my chest, a feeling I didn’t quite understand. Then the shimmering smoke always hidden just under his skin expanded, swallowing him whole. The smoke swirled around me, and I could have sworn it caressed my hand before it disappeared into the lamp, the smooth metal warm once more.
I pulled the humming lamp to my chest, the smooth vibrations settling into my skin. The king eyed the movement and offered a tight smile. “Get a good night’s rest, my dear. The journey to Prallues is a long one.”
When I returned to my tent, Wista had finished packing and a warm meal waited beside the bed. I barely touched it, my appetite gone along with my silent shadow. Shade’s absence was a gaping hole in my chest, a feeling that had always been there, but I hadn’t noticed it until after it had been filled.
I burrowed into the excessive pillows, holding the lamp close. I loathed to think about how Shade felt, trapped back in the lamp. The isolation. The loneliness.
If he could sense my proximity, hear me, perhaps it would ease his pain somewhat. Even if it was just a little. So, I gave him what always comforted me, what comforted my sister—I sang to him, the same lullaby I sang to Eleanor when we arrived. Before I allowed sleep to claim me, I whispered the haunting tune until my voice grew hoarse and my eyes heavy.
Terym had been right, the journey to Prallues was terribly long and grueling. Though some nights were spent within inns, most were spent camping under the stars. Too far from civilization to have any choice, with the Central Territory more spread out than the others. Those nights were hardest, under the watchful eyes of many. At least this time, people I had grown to trust traveled with us. Wista and Fallon. Even Pierce I trusted more than most.
Throughout the entire journey, I kept the lamp close to my heart. I hoped Shade could hear it, feel it.Feel me.On the nights I had some privacy, with only Eleanor close by, I would sing him the lullaby, willing him to know he wasn’t alone. Despite spending only just over a week in his company, I couldn’t bear the thought of him stuck in the lamp. All alone. Just as he had been in that cave for over a thousand years.
During the day, Eleanor kept me distracted by recalling everything she experienced thus far on our “adventure,” as she liked to call it. Harkin traveled with our party, but most days were spent with the other lords doing whatever it was lords did while they rode for hours on end.
It took two weeks to travel to Torglea’s capital, and when we finally beheld the sprawling city, it was larger than I’d expected. We entered via a ridge, allowing us to view the entire valley below. The city nestled along a curving river, houses of every size and shape crowding the hills.
The packed cobblestone streets made it difficult to traverse, and soldiers struggled to hold back the excited people when they realized who’d returned to their city. Merchants lined the edges of the street, selling bright fabrics or shiny trinkets. Others were filled with pastries or skewered meats, the array of mouthwatering scents teasing my tastebuds and making my mouth water.
I met Eleanor’s sparkling gaze, her body practically vibrating with excitement. When our procession slowed in a particularlycongested area, a merchant hurried forward, a basket of pastries held high.
“Miss! Miss!”
“Stand back,” Pierce called out, forcing his horse between Eleanor and the excitable man.
“Let him through, Pierce, I’d like to try one,” she ordered him, gesturing the man forward. Our guard huffed, narrowing his eyes as Eleanor leaned forward to speak with him.
“How much?”
“A bronze coin each, but for you little lady, I’ll give three for two.” The man grinned wide and held the basket higher, letting her peruse its contents.
“Do you have any blueberry? They’re my sister’s favorite and the only way I can bribe her to let me out and about.” Her mock whisper and side eye had the merchant laughing as he pointed out a large muffin with the unmistakable blue fruit.
My sister placed three bronze coins inside the merchant’s pocket, paying full price, before selecting her pastries. Then she tossed the muffin at me, which I barely managed to avoid squishing as I caught it.
“Thank you very much, miss. A wonderful day to you.” The merchant bowed and scurried through the soldiers surrounding us.
Another merchant approached, this one carrying a tray of meat, and I bit into the muffin. It was delicious, the tartness of the berries covered by sweet cake, the best I had ever tasted. Savoring the rare treat, I let my gaze wonder.
Although the tables set up along the street were vibrant, the houses behind them were derelict. Dotted among the crowd were the unmistakable signs of poverty, of hungry bellies and unwashed skin.
When I caught Eleanor’s eyes again, they were less excited than they were when we first arrived, her smile slightly forced.Word of her generosity traveled fast, and merchants approached her unabashedly, drawn to her cheeriness and wide smiles. Although she didn’t always buy something, she made a point to speak with them all.
Terym’s castle loomed on the opposite side of the river, casting the streets below in shadow. When we reached the large stone bridge crossing the roaring water, the merchants fell away, none following us across.
The other side was the complete opposite, clean streets were free from merchants, the people walking them dressed in finer clothing, the houses larger. The upper society of Prallues put even Toreshire’s richest families to shame. Everywhere I looked, necks and wrists were adorned with sparkling jewels, clothes made of the finest silks and velvet, embroidered to the latest fashion.
Eleanor had grown quiet. Her brow furrowed and lips pursed when she took in the distinct change.
By the time we reached the large iron gates to the castle, the streets had cleared. Not even Prallues’s citizens game enough to approach their king’s domain.
